Convent of Mercy

Arlington (VA) (Images of America)

Arlington Historical Society

Over the decades of the twentieth century, Arlington experienced a dramatic transformation from a simple, rural community known as Alexandria County into a complex, bustling, urban center, one with a cityscape of high-rise apartments and commercial buildings. Though many know of the area’s Civil War–era connections, some of Arlington’s most compelling and relevant history has taken place not under a divided union, but across the twentieth-century landscape, a time of unparalleled population growth, ethnic diversification, and economic development. This volume, with over 180 black-and-white photographs, takes readers on a unique visual journey into the Arlington of yesteryear and documents its evolving face over the twentieth century. Through this unique pictorial retrospective, readers will explore some of the county’s early villages, such as Glencarlyn, Queen City, Cherrydale, and Barcroft, and will enjoy viewing the transition from the early trolley lines and Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, which first brought growth to the area, to an era known for the development associated with Metro. A visual treasure, Arlington contains scenes of Fairlington, Buckingham, and other developments that housed thousands of new residents beginning in the 1930s; images of places where residents shopped and worked, such as Parkington and Clarendon; and photographs depicting the urban development of Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Ballston.

Arlington: A Color Guide to America's Most Famous Cemetery

James Gindlesperger

Most Americans have heard of Arlington National Cemetery, yet many of those interred rest in obscurity. This book seeks to honor their memories by telling the stories of 250 people buried here. Many were battlefield heroes, but some survived war to go on to major accomplishments. There are also stories of the original inhabitants of the cemetery, slaves and freedmen who worked on the Lee estate. In addition, the book covers popular sites such as the Tomb of the Unknowns and President Kennedy’s gravesite.

Navigating Arlington can be frustrating for visitors. Searching for a particular section of the cemetery is impractical without a map, and locating a specific grave within a section can lead to expenditure of significant time and energy. To aid visitors, a series of maps presents logical starting points. There is a GPS coordinate for each gravesite, which combines with the cemetery’s smart phone application to make location simple. The description of each site is accompanied by a color photograph.

James Gindlesperger is the author of several books about the Civil War: Escape from Libby Prison, Seed Corn of the Confederacy, and Fire on the Water. He and his wife also co-authored So You Think You Know Gettysburg? and So You Think You Know Antietam?, which were both honored as Foreword Reviews’ Book of the Year finalists in the travel category. They live in Johnstown, PA.

" . . . James Gindlesperger offers a beautiful tribute . . . Arlington: A Color Guide to America’s Most Famous Cemetery is a must read for anyone interested in Arlington National Cemetery and the intriguing stories of some who are interred there." -David D. Haught, Military Review

Moon Virginia & Maryland: Including Washington DC (Travel Guide)

Michaela Riva Gaaserud

Discover Virginia & Maryland in a New Way Travel writer Michaela Riva Gaaserud shares her expert perspective on Virginia and Maryland, guiding you on a memorable and unique experience. Whether you're visiting the monuments in Washington DC or hiking in Shenandoah National Park, Moon Virginia & Maryland has activities for every traveler. With itineraries like “The Unusual and Unearthly” and “History Comes Alive,” expertly crafted maps, gorgeous photos, and Michaela's trustworthy advice, Moon Virginia & Maryland provides the tools for planning your perfect trip! Moon Virginia & Maryland covers can't-miss sights and the best destinations including: Shenandoah and Northwestern Virginia Maryland's Eastern Shore and Atlantic Beaches  Baltimore 

Hidden History of Arlington County

Charlie Clark

Arlington County, for two centuries a center for government institutions, is a vibrant part of the Washington, D.C., community. Many notable figures made their home in the area, like Supreme Court chief justice Warren Burger, General George "Blood 'n' Guts" Patton and a beauty queen who almost married crooner Dean Martin. The drama of Virginia's first school integration unfolded in Arlington beginning in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, two motorcycle gangs clashed in public at a suburban shopping center. Local author, historian and "Our Man in Arlington" Charlie Clark uncovers the vivid, and hidden, history of a capital community.

Arlington House: A Guide to Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, Virginia (National Park Service Handbook)

Nancy Growald Brooks, Division of Publications National Park Service (U.S.)

Consists of 3 parts. Pt. 1 introduces General Lee and Arlington House. Pt. 2 presents a brief historical account of the house and its occupants, the Custises and the Lees. Pt. 3 provides concise information on the house and grounds.

Arlington National Cemetery: A Guided Tour Through History (Timeline)

Cynthia Parzych

Walk through America's most sacred ground and come to know the people and events that have shaped history

Known for its more than 300,000 graves and for iconic monuments including the John F. Kennedy gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery is one of America's most important historical landmarks. This book brings you face-to-face as never before with the people and events that have shaped its history. It features:

- An introduction that sets Arlington National Cemetery in historical context

- A timeline that adds further texture to the history described

- A historical tour of key graves, including concise biographies of those who rest there

- Nearby places to stay, eat, and visit

- Archival and color photos throughout

- Two PopOut maps―an archival map, and another showing the cemetery today

About the Timeline series

These one-of-a-kind books bring you face to face with the people and events that have shaped American history and who have left their mark on some of the nation's most important historical landmarks and locations.

Arlington County Chronicles (American Chronicles)

Charlie Clark

Modern-day Arlington County is a center for government institutions and a critical part of the Washington, D.C. community. But the identity of the area goes far beyond the influence of the nation's capital. During the War of 1812, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence was hidden from the British in a local area gristmill. Arlington was the only county in Virginia to vote against secession, despite being home to Robert E. Lee. In the 1950s, a young Jim Morrison was raised partly in Arlington. The county even boasts an infamous $1 million bus stop. In this collection of his most funny and fascinating columns, local author, historian, journalist and "Our Man in Arlington" Charlie Clark regales with stories of politics, personalities and everything in between.

Northern Virginia and the Beltway Street Guide

Rand Mcnally

Book by Rand Mcnally

A Walking Tour of Alexandria, Virginia (Look Up, America!)

Doug Gelbert

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way.Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets.This stretch of land along the west shore of the Potomac River was the last chunk of the Virginia Tidewater to be settled. In 1748, when Fairfax County was cleaved from Prince William County the town was created and named for a family that had once owned the land. Seventeen-year old George Washington was on the survey crew that laid off the town in streets and 84 half-acre lots. His half-brother Lawrence and brother Augustine were among the initial purchasers. George would later come to own a townhome as well and since it was only eight miles from his beloved estate at Mount Vernon always considered Alexandria his home town. In 1752 Alexandria was made the county seat. The town was incorporated in 1779 and adopted a seal with a ship in full sail - a nod to the town's position as one of the busiest ports in young America. Wheat was the main export but the warehouses on the waterfront were also filled with hogsheads of tobacco. The place became so attractive it was given away to the new Federal government to become part of the District of Columbia that was being built in 1799. In 1846 residents longing for a return to Virginia requested Congress to return Alexandria to the Old Dominion. Alexandria County was created and the town set up as its seat; in 1920 the county was changed to Arlington.The Federal government returned shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War. It became the longest occupied territory of the war but because the city saw little fighting, Alexandria escaped the havoc that obliterated the early history of other Virginia cities. The wooden wharves are gone and the air is no longer permeated by the odor of fish and fertilizer but the streetscape is stuffed with Federal-style brick houses and some of the streets even retain their cobbles. Our exploration will poke around the third oldest historic district in the country and we'll begin where the city did on the banks of the Potomac...